Washing machine



June 4, 1940. w, J, w w ET 2,203,479

WASHING MACHINE Filed March 5, 1937 F1 4- INVENTORS Wallace J1 PV'itwer .Hlbert (LBun an BY W -f-M 7, ATTORNEYS Patented June 4, 1940 NT OFF WASHING MACHINE Wallace J. Witwer and Albert C. Bunyan, Cleveland, Ohio, minors to The B. W. B. Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio K Application March 5, 1927, Serial No. 129,238 10 Claims. (or 68-190) This invention relates to washing machines and more particularly to devices of this character.

in which the washing liquid is agitated and given a turbulent motion to cleanse articles immersed in the liquid.

' The usual practice by which articles are washed in accordance with former methods involves the use of an agitator which. is physically immersed in the liquid and actuated in a circulatory or reciprocating movement. This method is considered disadvantageous in that the agitator itself is usually in physical contact with the articles being washed so that they are often jerked and injured, such as by tearing or breaking.

In some constructions the agitator is in the form of a receptacle or basket in which the articles to be washed are placed. In the washing operation the entire basket, including the articles, are agitated within the washing liquid, causing the liquid to eddy and flow over the articles. Another method of .washing is by pumping the washing liquid through a plurality of jets or nozzles which cause the liquid to impinge upon the articles being washed.

None of these methods has been accepted as a completely satisfactory washing system. A disadvantage common to all of the methods is that a more or less elaborate machine is necessary so that the cost of manufacture is relatively high, and, accordingly, washing machines are not in as common use as would be the case if the cost of manufacture could be reduced.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine which is simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture and one whichwill be economical to operate.

Another object is to provide a washing machine in which the washing liquid may be churned or agitated without the agitating means coming into frictional engagement with the articles being washed.

Another object is to provide a washing machine in which the articles to be washed may be immersed within the washing liquid while the liquid is caused to alternately flow through or over the articles in opposite directions.

A further object is to provide a washing machine in which the washing chamber is relatively free from obstructions and recesses, so that there will be a minimum opportunity for articles being washed to be injured and the washing chamber may be readily flushed out and cleansed after each time it is used.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description made in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which Figure lillustrates an elevational view partly in section and with parts broken away of a washing machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view partially in section and with parts broken away of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 showing the agitating mechanism of the machine;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig; 1, illustrating the agitator and actuating mechanism of the washer; and

Fig. 5 is-a fragmentary detail illustrating the manner in which the agitating diaphragm is secured to the bottom of the washing chamber.

The various parts of the washing machine 11- lustrated have been indicated by numerals of reference which identify like parts throughout the several views. A substantially cylindrical re= ceptacle I which may be formed of any suitable material such as galvanized iron, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof, defines a washing chamber 2. The receptacle l is telescopically ieceivedby a base 3 which may be in the form of a sheet metal skirt if desired. Thebase' 3 is flared slightly toward the bottom to increase the stability of the machine. Desirably, the telescopic joint between the receptacle I and base 3 is brazed or soldered to give a firm connection between the upper and lower parts of the washing machine.

The skirtlike base 3 is carried on a standard 6 which is provided with a plurality of swiveling casters 5 so that the machine may be readily moved. A convenient method of securing the base to the standard is by forming a peripheral flange 6 on the standard 4. This flange engages a circumferential shoulder 1 formed adjacent the lower margin of the base 3. This connection may likewise be secured by brazing or soldering. As shown in Fig. 3, the standard 4 which may satisfactorily be formed of a metal plate, is provided with one or more relatively large openings 8 so that access may be had to the interior of the skirted base 3 in assembling the machine and subsequently in the servicing thereof.

The bottom portions of the side walls of the cylindrical receptacle lare formed into an inwardly extending circumferential flange 9. This flange carries a circular deformable and elastic diaphragm ill. The diaphragm thus forms the bottom wall portion of the washing chamber 2. Accordingly, it is desirable that the joint between tion bythe worm-25 and gear 261ithe central p0 the flange 9 and marginal portions of the diaphragm ill be liquid tight.

A suitable manner of forming this connection is illustrated in Fig. 5. The inner edge of the may desirably be brazed or welded to the bottom of the flange 9. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the clamping ring I2 is not of as great a width as the flange 9, so that the upper surface of the diaphragm l0 extends above the levelof the ring l2 and is held in this elevated position by the upstanding collar II. This method of construction enables the washing liquidto be completely drained'from the washing chamber and at the same time affords an effective liquid-tight seal between the flange 9 and diaphragm 10. A suitable spigot I6 is welded into an aperture adjacent the bottom of the rec eptacle"l so that Washing liquid may be readily drawn off from the washing chamber 2.

A.fitti'ngf is secured. to the central portion of the diaphragm I 0 and comprises an upper disk] element I1 and a lower disk element I8 which are positioned on opposite sides of the diaphragm and clamped together to secure the diaphragm by means of a bolt IS. The lower disk element l8 carries a wrist pin 2| which secures one end of a reciprocable member or connecting rod 22. The opposite end of the member or connecting rod 22- is carried on a "rotating crank arm 23 which is actuated by an electric motor 24 through a worm 25 rotated by the-motor shaft and a gear 26 secured to the same shaft as the crank arm 23. The worm 25'andsgea'r' 26 are enclosed in.

a housing 21 which provides journals for the shaft carrying the crankarm- 23 and gear 26, as

well as journals for the shaft carrying :the worm 25. Both the electric motor 24 and the housing 21 are suitably secured to and supported by. the standard 4, and the previously mentioned opening's 8 permitacce'ss to-the working partsof the be properly adjusted and serviced.

The power line for supplying electric current to the 'motor 24.1passes through av suitable rubber grornlnr let 28 held in the base;3 and an electric switch 29 is carried by an; upper portion. of the base 3 and operable from the. exterior thereof so that the washing machine" maybe started and machine so that the actuating'mechanism can stopped, as desired. 'rne reciprocable connecting. rod 22 is arranged'with respect to the diaphragm Ill and rotatable crank-arm 23 so that the .diaphragm I0- is substantiallyfiat or level when'the crank arm is 'lhorizon'tal, that is to say, in this position 'of thejcrank= arm the central pgortions'otthe I diaphragm: to whichaisasecured thegupper and lower disk elements] I and? "substan-r tially on a level -with .the marginalfif?m rtions" thereof'whicharesecured between the clamping I o eraueaor; the: washin machine the up and ring l2 and; flange"9., Accordingly, -lwhen th crank arm 23 isrotated into its" uppermost PO tionof the diaphragm III will be raised consider ably above the level of" the marginal thereofi; rrms raising effecting (ai'stretching o v distension of the diaphragm as continued rotattion of the gear 26 carries the crank arm 23 tt its lowermost position, the diaphragm lllis lowered so that the central portion thereof is considerably below the marginal portions. At each upward movement the diaphragm contracts slightly until it is substantially level, then stretches or expands until the reciprocable member reaches the top of its stroke. At each downward movement the diaphragm likewise contracts or shrinks and then expands or stretches. Accordingly, each stroke of the reciprocable member 22 causes a contraction and an expansion of the diaphragm and each washing cycle of the machine, generated by a single rotation of the crank 23. causes a doublecontraction and expansion of the diaphragm.

During operation of the washing machine this up-and-down movement of the central portion of the diaphragm I 0 or bottom wall portion of the washing chamber, caused by the reciprocation of. the connecting rod 22, agitates the washing'liquid A within the cylindrical receptacle I and imparts a churning motion thereto. In securing the diaphragm II) in the bottom of the receptacle 1 it is preferred that the marginal portions ofthe diaphragm bedrawn away from the central portion in order to place the diaphragm'under tension. Accordingly, it is proposed to construct the diaphragm l0 out of an 1.:

elastic material such as rubber, so that it may yield sufficiently to permit the diaphragm to alternately assume the upper and lower positions indicated bythe full and broken lines respective'ly of Fig. 4. 7

Since the entire weightv of the washing liquid in the washing chamber 2 is supported by the diaphragm '10, it is desirableto provide a supporting member30 to reinforce the diaphragm.

This supporting member is preferably in the form of a substantially circular disk having a convexupper'surface. ,A central aperture in the supporting member receives the bolt i9, and the member is-thus-carried between the upper and lower disk elements I! and I8 and positioned'next adjacent the lower-surface of the diaphragm H).

'To counterbalance the weight of the washing liquid, '2. pair of tension springs 3| are arranged tonormally urge the diaphragm i0 upwardly. A suitable method of connecting these springs is indicated'in Fig. 1, which shows one end-of each spring s'ecured'to the reciprocable connecting rod 22 .adjacentthe crank arm 23 and the opposite end of each spring secured to an upper portion of. the base'3.

It is to be understood that a washing machine may be constructed in 'accordancewith the presventinvention without using a reinforcing plate or counterbalancing springs. These are merely refinements. of construction which improve the general'operating characteristics and facilitate themanufacture of a machine which is commerciallymore-acceptable.- A short distance' above the'flange 9 the cylinl.drical-receptaclet-increases. slightly in diameter to provided circumferential shoulder 32. This I shoulderli carriesianarticlesupport33 which is satis'f nIwormea-my circular plate or disk having...a.,plurality-of apertures 34. -During the downfrnovement- 'or.the'diaphragm l0 forces the washing-liquid bacleandforththrough the aperp fliquidisthus fprcedmmpghand around the .tures"34gimalternate'directionsjso that the wash- 3 Ibein'gf -wasihed .-*=.At: th ef-same time the 1s its washing action on certain articles.

support 33 serves to retain the articles in spaced relation with respect to the reciprocating diaphragm and the washing operation is performed solely by the liquid being forced over and through the articles without any moving part of the washing machine contacting them.

. Articles which tend to rise above the surface of the washing liquid in the chamber 2 are retained in a submerged condition so that they may be efiectively washed by the churning liquid -by means of a top or hold-down member 35.

This article hold-down may be in the form of a circular plate or disk provided with a plurality of apertures 36. A short distance above the shoulder 32 the receptacle I again increases in diameter slightly to provide a second shoulder 31. The article hold-down 35 is preferably made with a diameter sufficiently larger than that of the article support 33 so that the hold-down will rest on the shoulder 31 in spaced relation with respect to the article support 33. This construction facilitates removing the article hold-down by inserting ones finger through an aperture 33 I without interference therewith by the article support 33. However, the washer will operate satisfactorily without the use of a hold-down plate and this feature is added merely to iglprflie su able cover 33 provided with a handle 33 seats snugly within the top portion of the receptacle i to prevent the washing liquid splashing from the chamber 2 during a washing operation.

During the operation of a washing machine constructed in accordance with the present invention the up-and-down movement or reciprocation of the diaphragm i3 is sufficiently rapid so that the washing liquid in the chamber 2 is agitated or churned in contradistinction to a mere flow or movement. Consequently, there will be a positive washing action on the articles positioned in the chamber so that they are quickly and efficiently cleansed. Furthermore, it is clear that the direct and positive connection between the actuating crank 33 and the diaphragm it gives a definite and positive movement to the diaphragm which promotes a better movement of the washing liquid.

It is to be noted also that the upper end of the connecting rod or reciprocable member 22 is supported against lateral movements solely by the diaphragm ll). This is accomplished by having the normal position of the diaphragm it lying in a plane across the'bottom of the receptacle i so that there is no opportunity for lateral movement of the disk elements ii and iii. At no time is 'there any slack in the diaphragm i3.

, shown in the drawing has been presented for puriii) poses of illustration and description only and various modifications and alterations in construction and design are contemplated and intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

What we claim is:

1. In a washing machine, a washing chamber for containing a washing liquid, the bottom of said chamber comprising an elastic, deformable diaphragm, said diaphragm normally assuming a substantially flat plane position, areciproeable member rigidly secured to a central portion of the diaphragm and arranged to alternately stretch anddeform the diaphragm upwardly and downwardly to raise and lower the washing liquid in the chamber and cause an agitated and turbulent movement thereof, said reciprocable member including a disclike supporting element secured solely at the center thereof to the diaphragm and arranged to underlie a substantial portion of the diaphragm and reinforce the diaphragm against the weight of the washing liquid, the supporting element having a diameter at least substantially half that of the diaphragm, and means for reciprocating the member.

2. In a washing machine, ,a washing chamber for containing a washing liquid, the bottom of said chamber comprising an elastic. deformable diaphragm, said diaphragm constituting a major portion of area of said bottom and normally assuming a substantially flat plane position, a reciprocable member rigidly secured to a central portion of the diaphragm and arranged to alternately stretch and deform the diaphragm upwardly and downwardly to raise and lower the washing liquid in the chamber and cause an agitated and turbulent movement thereof, driving means for reciprocating said member, and

. elastic means arranged to counterbalance the weight of the washing liquid sustained by the diaphragm to assist the driving means in raising the liquid. I

3. In a washing machine, a washing chamber for containing a washing liquid, the bottom of said chamber comprising an elastic, deformable diaphragm, said diaphragm constituting a major portion of area of said bottom and normally assuming a substantially flat plane position, a reciprocable member rigidly secured to a central portion of the diaphragm and arranged to alternately stretch and deform the diaphragm upwardly and downwardly to raise and lower the washing liquid in the chamber and cause an agitated and turbulent movement thereof, driving means for reciprocating said member, and elastic means arranged to counterbalance the weight of the washing liquid sustained by the diaphragm to assist the driving means in raising the liquid, said elastic means including a spring secured to the reciprocable member and normally urging said member upwardly.

4. In a washing machine, a washing chamber for containing washing liquid, an elastic diaphragm forming a wall portion of the chamber and normally assuming a substantially flat plane position, a reciprocable member rigidly secured to a relatively small central part of the diaphragm, driving means to reciprocate said member to alternately stretch the diaphragm substantially into the form of a cone and move to permit the diaphragm to contract by inherent resiliency to the substantially flat plane position, whereby washing liquid in the chamber is agitated, and elastic means on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the washing liquid and ar ranged to counterbalance the pressure of the washing liquid against the diaphragm.

5. In a washing machine, a washing chamber for containing a washing liquid, an elastic diaphragm forming a wall portion of the chamber reciprocable member and arranged to reinforce the diaphragm against the pressure of the washing liquid, the plate having a width at least substantially half that of the diaphragm.

6. In a washing machine, a washing chamber for containing a washing liquid, an elastic diaphragm forming a wall portion of the chamber and normally assuming a substantially flat plane position, a reciprocable member rigidly secured to a relatively small central part of the diaphragm, driving means to reciprocate said member to alternately stretch the diaphragm substantially into the form of a cone and move to permit the diaphragm to contract by inherent resiliency to the substantially fiat plane position, whereby washing liquid in the chamber is agitated, and a plate carried by the reciprocable member positioned against the diaphragm on the opposite side thereof from the washing liquid, the plate having a width at least substantially half that of the diaphragm and arranged to reinforce the diaphragm against the pressure of the washing liquid. I

7. In a washing machine, a washing chamber for containing a washing liquid, an elastic diaphragm forming a wall portion of the chamber and normally assuming a substantially flat plane position, a reciprocable member rigidly secured to a relatively small central part of the diaphragm, driving means to reciprocate said member to alternately stretch the diaphragm substantially into the form of a cone and move to permit the diaphragm to contract by inherent resiliency to the substantially flat plane position,

whereby washing liquid in the chamber is agitated, a plate and elastic means connected to the reciprocable member and positioned on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the washing liquid, the plate having a width at least substantially half that of the diaphragm and arranged to reinforce the diaphragm against the pressure of the liquid and the elastic means being arranged to counterbalance the pressure of the liquid against the diaphragm.

8. In a washing machine, a washing chamber for containing a washing liquid, an elastic diaphragm forming a wall portion of the chamber and normally assuming a substantially flat plane position, a reciprocable member rigidly secured to a relatively small central part of the diaphragm, driving means to reciprocate said member to alternately stretch the diaphragm substantially into the form of a cone and move beneath the surface of the washing liquid,

to permit the diaphragm to contract by inherent resiliency to the substantially flat plane position, whereby washing liquid in the chamber is agitated, and elastic'means on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the washing liquid and arranged to counterbalance the pressure oi the washing liquid against the diaphragm, said elastic means comprising a spring connected to the reciprocable member and normally urging the member towardthe "washing liquid.

9. In a washing machine, a washing chamber for containing a washing liquid, said chamber having substantially vertical walls and a bottom comprising a deformable diaphragm arranged to be alternately displaced in opposite directions to agitate washing liquid in the chamber, an annular flange member on the vertical walls of the chamber, an annular ring member, the peripheral edges of the diaphragm being clasped between said annular ring member and the annular flange member on the chamber walls, an outlet spigot in communication with the bottom-most part of the I chamber for draining washing liquid therefrom,

'and the annular member beneath the diaphragm being formed to retain the top surface of the portions of the diaphragm supported thereby above the top surface of the other annular member to substantially prevent entrampment of washing liquid in the chamber by'the uppermost annular member when draining through the spigot.

10. In a washing machine, a substantially cylindrical receptacle defining av washingchamber for containing a washing liquid, said receptacle having portions of decreased diameter toward the bottom of the chamber to provide axially spaced shoulders, a pair of non-buoyant perforated partitions receivable in the chamber, one of said partitions resting by gravity 'on one of said shoulders adjacent the bottom of the chamber and the other partition axially movable through the major portion of the chamber, the lower limit of movement of said last named partition being established by another of said shoulders and when in said lower limit of movement said partition being in spaced parallel relaton with respect to the first named partition, said last named partition'normally resting by gravity on the top of articles being, washed and WALLACE J. WITWER. ALBERT C. BUNYAN. 

